Double-link chain machine



S. C. KUNZMANN ETAL DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Nov. 11, 1952 8Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24, 1949 s. c. KUNZMANN ETAL 2,617,250

DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Nov. 11, 1952 -8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept.24, 1949 Fig i I e g BY f Nov. 111, 1952 s. c. KUNZMANN EIAL DOUBLE-LINKCHAIN MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 24, 1949 IN VEN TORS.

Nov- 11, 1952 s. c. KUNZMANN ETAL 2,617,250

DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Filed Sept. 24, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 11,1952 s. c. KUNZMANN ETAL 2,617,250

DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Filed Sept. 24, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 6INVENTORS.

NOVQ 5 s. c. KUNZMANN ETAL 2,617,250

DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 24, 1949 IINVENTORAS. 772/90 6? [ml MA N 42457 J i/vgm m 8r Nov. H, 1952 s. c.KUNZMANN ETAL 2,617,250

DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Filed Sept. 24, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 PatentedNov. 11, 1952 DOUBLE-LINK CHAIN MACHINE Siegfried C. Kunzmann,Smithfield, and August J. England, Providence, R. I., assignors toKunzmann Chain 00., Providence, R. 1., a corporation ApplicationSeptember 24, 1949, Serial No. 117,642

19 Claims.

This invention relates to chain-making machines, and more especially tomachines for making chains of the multi-link type.

Conventional chain-making machines of the type used in the manufactureof these chains form from a continuous supply wire successive linkswhich during their formation into link form are concatenated withpreviously formed and concatenated links of the chain being made. Tothis end, these machines form the supply wire on an intermittentlyturned arbor into generally helical form from which the leading turnsare successively severed, after being first directed during theintermittent turns of the arbor into the last-formed links of the chainbeing made and then held by gripping jaws for their subsequent closureinto final link form. While thus held by the jaws after its closure,each last link of the chain is in position for the reception of the nextlead of the wire helix. For making chains of the multi-link type inwhich each link passes through two or more adjacent links, differentprovisions have previously been made on these machines to compel eachsuccessive lead of the wire helix to pass through two or more of thelast-formed links of the chain being made. However, these previousprovisions are either unreliable in the performance of their designatedfunction, particularly at high efficient operating speeds of themachines, or are costly and complicated in their construction, or both.

It is the primary object of the present invention to make inchain-making machines of this type structurally simple and inexpensiveprovisions by means of which to hold the last-formed links of a chainbeing made in position for the unfailing reception of the successiveleads of the wire helix even at very high operating speeds of themachines.

It is another object of the present invention to incorporate theseprovisions in a device which lends itself to simple installation inexisting chain machines of this type without requiring appreciable, ifany, structural changes in the latter.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully understood from the following descriptionconsidered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a chain machine embodyingthe present invention;

'- arbor.

Figs. 2 to 5, inclusive, are fragmentary perspective views similar toFig. 1, showing the machine in different stages during an operatingcycle thereof;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of the machine;

Fig. 6A is a section taken on the line 6A6A of Fig. 6;

Figs. 6B, 6C and 6D are sections similar to Fig. 6A, showing theelements of Fig. 6A in different operating positions, respectivelyj Fig.'7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the machine;

Fig. 8 is a section taken substantially on the line 88 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the line 99 ofFig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the line I0-l0of Fig. '7;

Figs. 11 to 16, inclusive, are enlarged fragmentary plan views ofcertain cooperating elements of the machine in different operatingpositions, respectively; and,

Figs. 17 and 18 are enlarged side and edge views, respectively, of alink of a chain made in the present machine.

The present invention is concerned with a machine for making chains 0 ofthe type best indicated in Fig. 2, which is composed of a multitude oflinks I each of which is concatenated with more than two adjacent links.In the present instance, the chain c is of the doublelink type in whicheach link, except the endmost, is concatenated with four adjacent links.

This appears clearly from Fig. 2, in which the link P, for instance, ofthe chain is shown concatenated with the adjacent link pairs I I and I lEach link I of the chain c is formed from precious or non-precious wirestock s. More particularly, the wire stock s is in the present machineformed into a helix h (Figs. 4 and 11) of which the turns t are of thecross-sectional shape of the links I of the chain into which they are tobe formed. The wire stock 5 is formed into the helix h on a wire formerA (Fig. 12) that includes an arbor on which the wire is Wound and whichis during each link-forming cycle of the machine turned through onecomplete revolution in order to advance the wire helix h in thedirection of the arrow 20 in Fig. 12 through a distance equivalent toone complete turn it thereof, so that the leading turn t will assume theposition shown in Fig. 12 at the end of each intermittent turn of theAssuming that a length of chain c has already been formed in the machineand that a link-forming cycle of the latter has just been started, asshown in Figs. 1 and 11, the lastformed link Z of the chain will then beheld by a link gripper B in a position in which it is in the path of,and will be entered by, the end of the leading turn t of the wire helixduring its screwlike advance into the foremost position shown in Fig.12. Inasmuch as each newly-formed link Z is to pass through the twoadjacent end links of the chain being formed, provisions are made toco-- ordinate the second last link Z of the chain with the last link Zso that the leading turn t of the wire helix will, during its advanceinto the described foremost position, pass without fail through bothlast links of the chain. After the passage of the leading turn 13 of thewire helix through the end links I and Z" of the chain c, the gripper Breleases the end link Z, then advances from the position shown in Fig.11 to that shown in Fig. 12 and grips the ad'- jac'ent leading turn itof the wire helix, the chain c then securely hanging with its end'linkl" on the leading turn t of the helix. The gripped turn If of the wirehelix is next severed from the remaining turns t thereof by cooperatingshear members 28 and 30 of a link-forming device C (Fig. 13). Theleading turn t thus severed from the wire helix is next lowered by V thegripper B from the position shownin'Fi'g. 3 into that shown'in Figs. 4and'14 in which the severed turn t is in operative relation withlinkclosing jaws 32 of the link-forming device C. As shown in Fig. 15,the jaws 32 will, on their closure, close the severed turn t" ofthe wirehelix by forcing the spaced ends thereof into engagement with eachother. t, which at this stage of its formation is a nearly finishedlink, is twisted by a rotary motion of the gripper B (Figs. 5 and 16)while'the link is still clamped with its opposite side between the jaws32'. In thus twisting the nearly finished link, the same is curved'asshown 'in Figs. 16 and 18. The link being finished, the jaws 32 willopen and release the same and the gripper B will turn back to itsoriginal position (Fig. 11) in order to present the link just completedand the link next thereto of the chain c to the next leading helix t forpenetration by the latter on the next intermittent revolution of thearbor. In this fashion, link after link'is formed and concatenated withthe successive end links of the chain beingformed.

Referring now to Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, the reference numeral 40designates a chain machine which comprises, in the present instance, a'

machine table 42 having a top 44 and support ing legs 46 which may beseparate from the top and conveniently secured thereto by bolts 48.Mounted on the table 42are the various operating' devices of themachine. These devices are the wire former A (Figs. 1 to 9, inclusive);the gripper B (Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, and 10); the link-forming deviceC (Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive); operating and control devices D (Figs. 7and 8) and chain-handling provisions E' (Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive). Theseoperating devices of the machine will now be described.

Wire former A Referring more particularly to Figs. 6 and 8, there ismounted at 50 on the machine table 42 a bracket 52 having spaced bearinglugs 54, 56 and 51 in which a shaft 58 is rotatably and axially slidablysupported. As shown in Fig. 9,

Finally, the closed turn the shaft 58 has a cross-sectionally reducedforward projection 60 which serves as an arbor on which the wire helix his to be wound. Accordingly, a leading length 60' of the arbor 60 ismade of the same cross-sectional contour as that of the links Z of whichthe chain c is composed (Fig; 17). Surrounding the arbor 60 is ahelicalguide member 62 which projects from, and may suitably be mounted at 63in, a bushing 64 which is} in turn, suitably mounted in the bearing lug5'! of the bracket 52, as by a set screw 66 (Fig. 9). The wire stock sis in any suitable manner directed into'the' gap between the turns ofthe helicalguideme'mber 62 in the manner shown in'Figs. 1 to 5 and 11,and is formed into the wire helix h on the arbor 60 during intermittentrevolutions of the-latter in winding direction. After the leading end ofa fresh supply of wire s has many suitable manner been wound around thearbor 60 for its anchorage thereon, the latter will, during eachintermittent revolution thereof'in winding direction as indicated by thearrow 10 in Fig. 2, draw wire from the supply. Provided between the wiresupply and the wire former A may be any suitable wire brake (not shown)which will maintain'the wire suificiently taut'to assure its snugwinding on the formgiving arbor GOduring each intermittent revolution ofthe latter; Thus, the arbor 60 imparts to the wire helix h thereon itscross-sectional shape, i. e., that of thelinks Z of the chain c,whilethe guide member 62 leads the wire about the arbor in" a directionto give it the requisite pitch for the further formation of its turns tinto individual links I.

The wire helix-h is thus formed turn after turn during intermittentrevolutions of the arbor '60; The arbor 50 and its shaft 58 being freeto' move axially, the former will advance withthe helix during theformation of eachturn of the latter, provisions to be described beingmade to retract the arbor 60 after each advance thereof. Inthus'permitting the arbor 60 to advance with the wire helix during theformation of 'each new turn of the latter, friction between the wireandthe arbor is eliminated and' friction-between the wire and the guidemember 62 is reduced to a minimum, with the result that one completeturn t is assuredly added to the wire helix h on each completerevolution of the arbor 60. As already mentioned, the arbor 60, is afterthe formation of each new turn of the wire helix h, retracted by meansof a rocker 14 (Figs. 6 and 8) which is pivotally mounted at 16 on thebracket 52 and adapted to engage a collar l8-on the arbor shaft 58.

Gripper B Referring now particularly to Figs. 6' and '7, thereissuitably mounted as at 8! on the machine table 42 a bracket 32 on whichis pivotally supported acasing-84 having a cavity 86 (Fig. 10) whichisnormally closed by a removable cover plate 88. The pivot support (notshown) of the casing 84 on the bracket 62 is to the left of the coverplate 88 as viewed in Fig. 6, and the pivot axis is such as to permitswinging movcment'of the-casing 84 in the direction of the arrow 90 inFig. 7. Suitably journaled in the casing 84 is the hollow shank S2 of agripper head 94, having a recess in which are pivoted at flfi holdersI00 for cooperating jaws 1G2 and ii-l, respectively (Fig; 10). The jawsI62 and 04, which are adjustably mounted in their respective holders H10by screws I06 and I08, respectively, are provided in their respectivefaces I I0 and I I2 with aligned recesses H4 and H6, respectively, inwhich to clamp the last link Z of the chain 0 being made (Fig. 11) orthe leading turn 12' of the wire helix h (Fig. 12). The holders I00 areprovided with oppositely projecting lugs I20 and I22, respectively, fromwhich depend studs I24 and I26, re-

spectively, on which are anchored the ends ofa tension spring I28 (Fig.7) that normally rocks the holders I 00 in a direction to cause openingof the jaws I 02 and I04. For closing the jaws I02 and I04 against thetendency of the spring I28 to open them, there may be provided in thehollow shank 82 of the gripper head 94 an axially slidable bar I30 (Fig.havinga conical end I32 which cooperates with beveled surfaces I34 andI36 of the holders I00, respectively.

As previously explained, the gripper B is for the finish-formation ofeach link Z twisted (Fig. 16) in order to lend to the link its curbedshape. To accomplish this twist, the gripper head 94-is with its hollowshank 92 turned in the casing 84.

To impart turning movement to the shank 820i virtue of the pivotalmounting of the casing 84,

also swingable in the direction of the arrow 90 in Fig. '7. The casing84 is for such swinging movement of the gripper B guided with its crossbar I50 between opposite lugs I52 of the bracket 82 (Fig. 6).

Link-forming device C Referring now to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the referencenumeral I60 designates a plate support having a machined top surface I62on which tool holders I88 and I18 are swingable about their respectivepivots I64 and I56. The pivots I64 and I66 are mounted in the platesupport I60, and the tool holders I88 and I10 are retained on the platesupport I 60 by a bracket I12 which is mounted at The tool holders I14on the machine table 42. I68 and I10 are longitudinally recessed at I13and I15, respectively, for suitable, preferably adjustable,mountingtherein of the previously mentioned jaws 32, respectively. Alsomounted in the recesses I13 and I of the tool holders I88 and I10,respectively, in superposed relation with the jaws 32 therein are a stopmember I80 and the previously mentioned shear member 20, respectively.The stop member I88 is designed to prevent any unauthorized advance ofthe leading turn t of the wire helix it beyond the foremost positionshown in Fig. 12.

Bolted at I 82 in a recess I84 in the bearing lug 56 of the bracket 52is another tool holder I80 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8) which extends through agroove I88 in the bearing lug 51 of the bracket 52 and is thereinclamped in angular-1y adjusted position about the bolt I82 as an axis.To this end, there is suitably mounted at I90 on the bearing lug 51 ofthe bracket 52 a member I82 in which is threadedly received a screw I94with which to clamp the tool holder I86 in its adjusted position in thegroove I88 in the bearing lug 51. Threadedly received in the bearing lug51 of the bracket 52 is a set screw I96 with which to adjust'the toolholder I86 after first loosening the clamping screw I 84 and the boltI82, as will be readily understood. The tool holder I86 is provided nearone end thereof with a groove I88 in which the previously mentionedshear member 30 is adjustably mounted by means of one or more clampingscrews 200. The shear members 28 and 30, jaws 32 and stop member I areso coordinated with each other and with the wire former A and grip per B(Figs. 6, 7 and 8) that they perform their previously describedfunctions during each linkforming cycle of the machine. The pivoted toolholders I68 and I10 are normally spread apart by springs 202 and 204,respectively, which are anchored with one end to the respective toolholders and with their other ends on posts 206 and 208, respectively, onthe machine table 42.

Operating and control devices D Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, there isshown a power driven main shaft 2 I0 which is journaled in suitablebearing brackets 2I2 on the bottom side of the machine table 42. Mountedon the shaft 2I0 is a bevel gear 2i4 which is in permanent mesh withanother bevel gear 2 I 5 on a shaft 2I8 which is suitably journaled inanother bearing bracket 220 on the machine table 42. The shaft 2I8 alsocarries a crank disk 222 having a radially adjustable pivot connection226 with one end of a link or connecting rod 228 the other end of whichis pivotally connected at 230 with a gear segment 232 on a shaft 234journaled in suitable bearing brackets 236 on the machine table 42 (Fig.6). The gear segment 232 is in permanent mesh with a gear 238 (Figs. 8and 9) which is axially sliclable on the arbor shaft 50. Secured to orintegral with the gear 238 is a member 240 of a clutch 2 lI thecompanion member 242 of which is carried by the arbor shaft 58. Gear 238is with its clutch member 240 normally yieldingly urged into drivingengagement with the other clutch member 242 by means of a compressionspring 244 which surrounds the arbor shaft 58 and is interposed betweenthe gear 238 and the adjacent bearing lug 54 of the bracket 52. Thus, onrotation of the gear segment 232 in counterclockwise direction as viewedin Fig. '1, the gear 238 will, through intermediation of the clutch 2Mdrive the arbor shaft 58 in wire-winding direction. On return rotationof the gear segment 232 in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 7 intothe position there shown, the clutch member 260 on the gear 238 will becammed out of driving engagement with the other clutch member 242 by thelatter, the spring 244 permitting the requisite separation of the clutchmembers 240 and 242. The stroke of the crank disk 220 is so adjustedthat the gear segment 232 will, during each counterclockwise rotationthereof as viewed in Fig. 7, turn the arbor 60 through one completerevolution in wire-winding direction. The arbor shaft 58 and clutchmember 282 are, by virtue of the wound wire helix h on the arbor 60,prevented from backing up with the gear 238 and gear segment 232 on eachreturn rotation of the latter into the position shown in Fig. '7,However, suitable ratchet means (not shown) may be provided, if desired,in order positively to prevent the arbor shaft 58 from backing up. Dueto the relatively tight engagement of the wire helix P1. with the arbor60 and the pitch formation of the wire helix in the stationary member 52(Fig. 9), the arbor 60 and its shaft 58 will be dragged along by thewire helix h during each advance of the latter in the direction'of'th'earrow in Fig. 12. The clutch mem ber' 240will, during each advance ofthe arbor 60' as justdescribed, be biased into driving engagement withthe companion member 242 on the-arbor shaft 58 by the spring 244, sothat the arbor will, despite its advance, be driven through one completerevolution duringeach link-forming'cycle of the machine. To this end,the gear 238 is made of such width as to remain in all axial positionsthereof in permanent engagement with the gear segment 232.

The advanced arbor 69 is, after the formation of each new turn t of thewire helix h, withdrawn by means of the previously described rocker 14into the retracted position shown in Fig. 9. To this end,- the rocker14-is provided with a laterally projecting arm 250 (Fig. 8) having anadjustment screw 252 which bears against a push rod 254 that rests on anarm 256 (Fig. '7) which is pivotally mounted'in spaced bearing lugs 258on the machine table 42. The arm 256 is provided with a follower 260which cooperates with a cam disk 262 on-the main shaft 210. The cam disk262 isso designed as to cause quick retraction of the arbor shaft 53"andparts carried thereby and connected therewith immediately after theformation of each newturn t of the wire helix h. The rocker 14 will byits own gravity return to the position shown in Fig. 8' immediatelyafter each retraction of the arbor shaft 58, the latter remaining in itsretracted position until the next revolution is imparted theretoby thegear segment 232, despite the spring 244 which is too weak toadvance'the'arbor shaft 58' of its own accord.

The gripper B is swung about its pivot axis in thedirection of the arrow90 in Fig. '1 by and under the control of a cam disk 219 on the mainshaft 210' through intermediation of an arm Y212 and a push rod 214'.The arm 212, which is pivotally mounted in bearing lugs 216 on themachine table 42, is provided with a follower 218 which cooperates withthe cam disk 210. The push rod 214 rests with its lower end on the arm212 remotely from its pivot support, and engages with its upper end thecross-bar I50 on the casing 84- (Fig, '1). Thus, the cam disk 210 raisesthe gripper B into'the position shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 1,.andcontrols its gravity descent into the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The rack I44'f0r turning the head 94 of the gripper B is in eachlink-forming cycle of the machine reciprocated by and under the controlof a cam disk 280 on the main shaft 2I0 through intermediation of arocker or rockers 232 (Fig. 7) The rockers 282, which are pivotallymounted in depending bearing lugs 284 on the machine table 42, areprovided at one end with followers 286' for cooperation with the camdisk 280, and at the other end with adjustment screws 288 which engagethe adjacent end face I44 of the rack- I42. Tension springs 292 normallyurge the rack I42 in the direction of the arrow 290 in Fig. 6 in whichto return the head 94 of the gripper B into the non-twist angularposition shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The springs 292 are anchored at 294 onthe rack I42 and on brackets 296, respectively, which are suitablymounted on the machine table 42 (Fig, 6). Thus, the springs 292 will,through intermediation of the rack I42, also retain the follower arms282 in permanent engagement with the cam disk 280, as will be readilyunderstood. The end face I 44 of the rack I42, which is engaged by thescrews 288 on the follower arms 282, lies in a plane which extends 87 atright angles to the pivot axis-of the casing 84, so that'the rack I42will remain at all times under the control of the cam disk 820 despitethe oscillatory movement of the casing 84 in the direction of the arrow90 in Fig. '1.

The push bar I30 (Fig. 10) is, for the opening and closing of the jaws I02 and I04 of the gripper B, reciprocated in each link-forming cycle ofthe machine by any suitable means (not shown) including another cam diskor disks on the main shaft 2 I 0.

The normally spring-separated tool holders I68 and I10 are in eachlink-forming cycle of the machine operated by and under the control ofrockers 290 and 292, respectively, which are pivotally mounted at 294and 296 in spaced lateral lugs 298 and 300 on th opposite sides,respectively, of the plate support I60 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8). The lowerends of the rockers 290 and 292 carry followers 302 and 304,respectively, which cooperate with cam disks 306 and 308, respectively,on the main shaft 2I0 (Fig. 8). The rockers 290 and 292 preferably carryat their upper ends adjustment screws 3 I 0 and 3I2, respectively, withwhich to engage the adjacent sides of the tool holders I68 and I10,respectively. The previously described springs 202 and 204, whichnormally urge the tool holders I68 and I10 apart, thus also serve toretain the rockers 290 and 292 in permanent engagement with theirrespective cams 306 and 308.

In order to provide for separation of the tool holders I68 and I10 to avariable extent, there are provided adjustable stop screws 3 and 3I3(Fig. 6) which are received in the depending legs 3I4 and 3I6,respectively, of a U-shaped bracket 3I8, mounted at 320 on a post 322which projects upwardly from the plate support I60 between the.

tool holders I68 and I10 (Fig. 8). The stop screws 3H and 3l3 permitindependent adjustment of the tool holders I68 and I10, respectively, intheir respective spread positions. The machine described so far isconventional in all essential respects, and the inventive aspect thereofwill now be described.

Chain handling provisions E As previously mentioned, it is for theefiiclent production of a multi-link chain imperative that each leadingturn t of the wire helix 72. passes unfailingly through the twolast-formed links I and Z of the chain being made. To accomplish thisend, the two last-formed links of the chain are held in such relativedisposition with respect to each other, that the gap g between them(Fig. 1) is of maximum dimension and in the path of movement of the endof the leading turn t of the wire helix into the foremost position shownin Fig. 12. At the time in each link-forming cycle of the machine atwhich the wire helix h is advanced for the concatenation of its leadingturn t with the two last-formed links of the chain, the link 2' isfirmly held by the jaws I02 and I04 of the gripper B in the fashionshown in Figs. 1 and 11, wherefore it is imperative that the adjacentlink i" is held in a certain disposition relative to the gripped link Iin order that the leading turn 13' will without fail pass through thegap 9 between both links Z' and Z". In order to accomplish this withoutfail, yet in a structurally simple manner, a leading length 6 of thechain, whereof the links are in their formation into the chain turned,clockwis as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, over the preceding links thereof inthe orderly relative disposition there shown, is held in thelongitudinal disposition shown in Fig. 1. While in this longitudinaldisposition, and on mere longitudinal tensioning of the chain length thelinks of the latter will resist twisting of any individual link thereoffrom its orderly arrangement with the rest of the links, with the resultthat the link 1 is most securely held in correct position relative tothe gripped link Z for the penetration of both link Z and Z by theleading turn it of the advancing wire helix it. By leading the chainlength 0 longitudinally sideways from the gripped link Z as shown inFigs. 1 and 11, th gap g between the links Z and Z is brought intocorrect alignment with the leading turn t of the wire helix forunfailing penetration by the latter, and the chain length 0 furthermoreclears the closely proximate tools 28, 33, 32 and I83 in the holders I68and H3. The chain length 0' is longitudinally tensioned by the weight ofthe remaining chain already formed which is permitted to drop through aconsiderable distance into any suitable container (not shown) in whichthe chain is collected. After the passage of the leading turn 25 of thewire helix it through th gap 0 between the end links Z and Z", the chainlength 0 is shifted into the longitudinal disposition shown in Figs. 3to 5, inclusive, in which the links Z and Z" are, after the release ofthe link Z from the gripper B and whil both links Z and Z are solelyheld in suspended fashion on the leading helix turn sufficientlyretracted from the adjacent tools 28, 33 and 32 to permit the latter toform the then gripped helix turn t into the next link Z of the chain inth manner previously described. For the different longitudinaldispositions of the chain length 0 at the proper time periods in eachlinkforming cycle of the machine, recourse is had to a chain guide 333which is in the form of an eye having an elongated slot 332 throughwhich the chain passes widthwise. The slot 332 is so dimensioned thatthe links of the chain passing therethrough may not be turned over todisturb the orderly and advantageously arranged links of the chainlength 0' (Figs. 1 to 5).

The chain guide 333 is provided with a base 334 which forms a link of achain 336, the other links of which are conventional as shown in Figs. 1and '1, for instance. One end of the chain 336 is suitably anchored at333 on an arcuate end plate 343 of an arm 342 (Fig. 7) which is freelyrotatable with its hub 344 on the shaft 234 (Fig. 6). The other end ofth chain 336 is connected at 343 with a suitably anchored tension spring346 which normally tends to draw the chain 333 in the direction of thearrow 353 in Fig. 7. The chain 336 passes over a reel 352 which isrotatably mounted at 354 on a pedestal 356 on the machine table 42(Figs. 6 and 7).

As already mentioned, the chain guide 333 is normally urged into thelower positionshown in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive, by the spring 343 whichacts on the chain 336. The chain guide 333 is admitted into its lowerposition shortly after the start of each link-forming cycle of themachine (Fig. 2), and is retracted to its upper position shortly beforethe termination of each link-forming cycle (Fig. 5). To this end, disks363 and 362 are mounted in any suitable manner on the shaft 234 and onopposite sides, respectively, of the hub 344 of the arm 342 (Fig. 6).Thus, the disks 363 and 362, being mounted on the shaft 234, oscillatewith the gear segment 232 which actuates the winding arbor 63 of themachine, while the arm 342 is with its hub 344 freely'rotatable on theshaft 234, as previously explained. The disk 362 carries a. laterallyprojecting pin 334 (Fig. 6A) which projects into a peripheral groove 366in the hub 344- of the arm 342. The other disk 363 carries a laterallyprojecting pin 363 (Fig. 6A) which is adapted to release a latch member313 from interlocking engagement with the hub 344 of the arm 342. Thelatch member 313 is pivoted at 312 on a. bracket 314 (Fig. 7) which issuitably mounted at 316 on the machine table 42. The latch member 313,which is normally urged into engagement with the hub 34-4 of the arm 342by means of a suitably mounted torsion spring 318, is provided at itsfree end with a shoulder 383 that is adapted to interlock with aperipheral shoulder 362 in the hub 344 of the arm 342 (Fig. 6A) when thelatter is in its retracted position (Fig. 7) in which the chain guide333 is in the corresponding upper position. The gear segment 232 is, atthe start of each link-forming cycle of the machine, turnedcounter-clockwise from the position shown in Fig. 7 in order to impartto the arbor 63 its single revolution in wire-winding direction. Duringthe initial part of such rotation of the gear segment 232, the pin 364on the disk 332 advances from the position shown in Fig. 6A into thatshown in Fig. 6B before the pin 363 on the other disk 363 moves intocooperative relation with the latch member 313. Hence, the arm 342remains during this initial part of the described rotary motion of thegear segment 232 locked in its most retracted position by the latchmember 313. On continued rotary motion of the gear segment 232 inarbor-driving direction, the latch member 313 is retracted frominterlocking engagement with the hub 344 of the arm 342 by the action ofthe pin 368 on the disk 333 (Fig. 6C) thereby releasing the chain 333for movement by the spring 348 into the position shown in Fig. 2 inwhich the chain guide 333 is carried to its lower position. The releasedarm 342 will, on arrival of the chain guide 330 in its lower position,engage an adjustable stop screw 393 in a bracket 3932 (Figs. 6 and '1).At the time in each link-forming cycle of the machine at which the arm342 is released from the latch member 313 for the quick shift of thechain guide 330 from its upper to its lower position, as described, theleading turn it of the wire helix h has safely entered the gap g betweenthe links Z and Z of the chain (Fig. 2), but has not yet fully advancedto the foremost position shown in Fig. 3. The chain guide 333 is shiftedinto its lower position at this stage (Fig. 2) in each link-formingcycle of the machine in order to assure the secure anchorage of thelinks Z and Z" in the bottom portion of the leading turn t of the wirehelix h (Fig. 3) after the link Z is released from the jaws I32 and I34of the gripper B prior to or substantially at the time the leading helixturn t reaches its foremost position shown in Figs. 3 and 12. Were itnot for the shift of the chain guide 333 into its lower position priorto the release of the link Z from the gripper B, the links Z and Z"would more often than not escape from the leading helix turn t andinterrupt the operation of the machine.

At the end of one complete revolution of the arbor 6D in eachlink-forming cycle of the machine, the parts 344, 362, 364, 383 and 313assume the relative position shown in Fig. 6D. On the following returnrotation of the gear segment 232 into the position shown in Fig. 7,during which the winding arbor 33 is not driven and the tools 28, 33 and32 perform their designated functions on the leading helix turn t, thepin 368 on the disk 360 will move through a considerableangular distancebefore' engaging theshoulder'394. on the hub 344 of the arm 342 andreturning the latter to its retracted position (Figs. 6A and 7) which isreached when the gearsegment 232 completes its return rotation. Hence,it is only during the latter portion of each link-forming cycle of themachine, i. e. during the last step of twisting the link beingformed(Fig. that the chain guide 330is returned toits upper position for thecorrect disposition of thechain' length 0' for the unfailing receptionby the end links Z and Z"' of the leading helix turn t in the nextlink-forming cycle ofthe machine.

For added and better control over the longitudinal disposition of thechain length 0' in the lower position-of the-chain guide 330, thechainlengthc' may in thelatter-position of the chain uide 33flbesomewhatdeflected from linear extension by an auxiliary guide 400 which issuitablymounted-at 402 on the-machine table 42.

Whilewehave shown and described the preferred embodiments of ourinvention, it will be understood that various changes may be made inthe-present invention without departing from the underlying idea orprinciples of the invention withinthescope of the appended claims.

Having thusdescribed our invention, what we claim and desire tosecure byLetters Patent, is:

1. Ina double-link chain machine, the combination of mechanism forforming successive chain links, including means for holding each lastlinkinposition for penetration by the next link being formed for theconcatenation of successive chain links, and a guide having a slotthrough" which the chain is adapted to be drawn in longitudinallytensioned condition away from said holding means as'successivelinks areadded to the chain, said slotbeingdimensioned so as to permit thepassagetherethrough of successive chain links in a certain dispositiononly'relative to the tensioned: links in the chain length between saidholding means and" said guide, and the latter being positioned remotelyfrom said holding; means for longitudinally disposing the chain lengthbetween said holding means and guide so that the third-last chain linkpreviously concatenated with the second-last and last chain links indouble-link fashion positions said secondlast' link for penetration bythe next link being formed when the latter penetrates said last link.

2: The combination in a double-link chain machine as set forth in claim1', in which said cha'inlength is held in longitudinally tensionedcondition by; the weight" of a continuing length of; the chain hangingfrom said guide.

3. A devicefor adapting for themanufacture of double-link chains asingle-link chain machine having mechanism for forming; successive chainlinks, including means for holdingeach last link inpositionfor'penetration by the next'link being formedfortheconcatenation of successive links into single-link chain form,saiddevice comprising; a guidehaving a slotthrough which the chain isadapted tobe drawn in longitudinally tensioned condition away from saidholding means assuccessive links are added to the chain; said slot'being: dimensioned so as to permit the passage therethroughof successivechain links in acertain disposition only relative to thetensionedlinksin the chain length between said holding means andsaidguide, and the latter beingpositioned remotely from said holding-meansfor longitudinally disposing the chain leng-th betweensaid holdingmeansandguide'so that the third-last chain link previously. concatenatedwith the second-last and last chain links, in double-link fashionpositions said second-last link {or penetration by the next link beingformed when the latter penetrates said last link.

4. In a double-link chain machine, the combination of mechanism forforming successive chain links, including means for holding each lastlink in position for penetration by the next partially-formed link forthe concatenation of successivechain links, and for holding said nextlink for its finish-formation after the release into suspended relationtherewith of said last link, tool means for finish-forming eachpartiallyiormed link, and a guide having a slot through which the chainis adapted to be drawn in longitudinally tensioned condition away fromsaid holding means as successive-links are added to the chain, said slotbeingdimensioned so as to permit the passage therethrough of successivechain links in a certain disposition only relative to the tensionedlinks in the chain length between said holding means and said guide, andthe latter being remote from said holding means and movable into a firstposition in which said chain length is so longitudinally disposed as tobe drawn with its last link in said next link away from said tool meansfor the finish-formation of the latter link, and into a second positionin which said chain length is so longitudinally disposed that thethird-last link previously con- 7 catenated with the second-last andlast links in double-link fashion positions said second last link forpenetration by said next link when the latter penetrates said last link.

5. The combination in a double-link chainmachine as set forth in claim4,in which said chain length is held in longitudinally tensionedcondition by the Weight ofa continuing length of the chain hanging fromsaid guide.

6. A device for adapting for the manufacture of double-link chains asingle-link chain machine having mechanism for' forming successive chainlinks, including means for holding each last link in position forpenetration by the next partially-formed link forthe concatenation ofsuccessive links into'single-link chain form, and for'holding'said-nextlink for its finish-formation after tlie release into suspendedrelationtherewith-oft said last'link; and tool means for finish-- forming eachpartially formed link, saiddevice comprising a guide-having a' slot,through which the chain is adapted to bev drawn in longitudinallytensioned condition away from saidholding means assuccessivelinks-are'added to the: chain; saidslotbeing-dimensioned so as to permitthepassage-therethrough of" successive chain links'in' acertain dispositiononly relative'to the'tensioned links in; the chain length between saidholding means and said uide, and the latter being re,- mote from said'holding'means and movable; into a: first position in-which said chainlength is so longitudinally disposed as to be drawn with its last linkin said nextlink' away from said tool means for the finish-formation oithe latter link.

andinto-a second position in which saidchain lengthis so longitudinallydisposed that the thirdlast link previously concatenated'with thesecondlast and last links in double-link fashion positions-saidsecondilast'link for penetration by said next link'when thelatter-penetrates said'last-link;

7. Adouble-linkchain machine, comprising a device forintermittentlyadvancing a wirehelix in corkscrew fashiommeans forholding each last formed link in positionfor penetration by a leadinglength of the wire helix on its next intermittent advance for theconcatenation of successive chain links, and for releasing said lastformed link into suspended relation with said leading helix length andthen holding the latter for its formation into a link during thefollowing intermittent stop of said helix, tool means opposite saidholding means for forming each leading helix length into a link, and aguide over which the chain is passed in longitudinally tensionedcondition, said guide being spaced laterally from said holding and toolmeans and movable into a first position in which the chain lengthbetween said guide and holding means is so longitudinally disposed as tobe drawn with its last link in the leading helix length away from saidtool means for the link formation of said helix length, said guide beingalso movable into a second position in which said chain length is solongitudinally disposed that the third-last link previously concatenatedwith the second-last and last linksin double-link fashion positions saidsecond-last link for penetration by said leading helix turn when thelatter penetrates said last link.

8. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 7, in which saidchain length is in said first position of said guide drawn into firmsuspended relation with said leading helix length.

9. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 7, furthercomprising means operated in timed relation with said device for movingsaid guide into said second position at the end of the link formation ofeach leading helix length, and into said first position after thepenetration of each pair of last and second-last links by each leadinghelix length and before the release of each last link from saidholdingmeans, and said chain length is in said first position of said guidedrawn into firm suspended relation with said leading helix turn.

10. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 7, furthercomprising mechanism operated in timed relation with said device foroperating said holding means, and means also operated in timed relationwith said device for moving said guide into said second position at theend of the link formation of each leading helix length, and into saidfirst position after the penetration of each pair of last andsecond-last links by each leading helix length and before the release ofeach last link from said holding means, and said chain length is in saidfirst position of said guide drawn into firm suspended relation withsaid leading helix turn.

'11. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 8, furthercomprising a driving chain carrying said guide, a pivoted rocker havingone end of said driving chain secured thereto and being turnable to andfrom an angular position in which said guide is in one of said positionsthereof, and spring means connected to the other end of said drivingchain for drawing the latter into the other of said positions thereof12. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 7, furthercomprising means for so moving said guide that the latter is in saidfirst and second positions thereof below and above the level of saidholding means, respectively.

13. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim '7, furthercomprising a driving chain carrying said guide, a pivoted rocker havingone end of said driving chain secured thereto and being turnable to andfrom an angular position in which said guide is in one of said positionsthereof, spring means connected to the other end of said driving chainfor drawing the latter into the other of said positions thereof, and arotatably mounted wheel over which said driving chain passes, said wheelbeing so positioned that said guide is in said first and secondpositions thereof on opposite sides of said wheel below and above thelevel of said holding means, respectively.

14. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim '7, furthercomprising a driving chain carrying said guide, a pivoted rocker havingone end of said driving chain secured thereto and being turnable to andfrom an angular position in which said guide is in one of said positionsthereof, spring means connected to the other end of said driving chainfor drawing the latter into the other of said positions thereof, and arotatably= mounted wheel over which said driving chain passes, saidwheel being so positioned that said guide is in said first and secondpositions thereof on opposite sides of said wheel below and above thelevel of said holding means, respectively, and said guide provides anaperture through which the chain passes and which is dimensioned topermit the passage of the concatenated chain links in a certain angulardisposition only.

15. A double-link chain machine, comprising a device including a pivoteddriving member for intermittently advancing a wire helix in corkscrewfashion on turning movement of said member in one direction from acertain angular position,osaid member having an idle rotary returnmovement into said certain position, means for holding each last formedlink in position for penetration by a leading length of the wire helixon its next intermittent advance for the concatenation of successivechain links, and for releasing said last formed link into suspendedrelation with said leading helix length and then holding the latter forits formation into a link during the following intermittent stop of saidhelix, tool means opposite said holding means for forming each leadinghelix length into a link, a guide over which the chain is passed inlongitudinally tensioned condition, said guide being spaced laterallyfrom said holding and tool means and movable into a first position inwhich the chain length between said guide and holding means is solongitudinally disposed as to be drawn with its last link in the leadinghelix length away from said tool means for the link formation of saidhelix length, said guide being also movable into a second position inwhich said chain length is so longitudinally disposed that thethird-last link previously concatenated with the secondlast and lastlinks in double-link fashion positions said second-last link forpenetration by said leading helix turn when the latter penetrates saidlast link, and mechanism operated in timed relation with said device formoving said guide into said second position at the end of the linkformation of each leading helix turn, and into said first position afterthe penetration of each pair of last and second-last links by eachleading helix turn and before the release of each last link from saidholding means.

16. A double-link chain machine as set forth in claim 15, in which saidmechanism comprises a pivoted rocker, a driving connection between sa drocker and guide for moving the latter into sa1d first and secondpositions thereof on turning said rocker in opposite directions intofirst and second positions, respectively, spring means normally urgingsaid rocker into said first position'thereof, a yielding latch normallyarresting said rocker in said second position thereof;means *turningwith said driving-member for releasing 'sa1d latch'fromsaidguide afterpartial movezment of said driving member in "saidone direc- 1 tion; andmeans returning said rockerinto said second position thereof on rotarymovement'of said driving member through a last part-oiits idle-returninto said certain position.

'17. A double-linkaehain-machine as set'forth rin: claim 15, inwhich-said mechanism comprises a pivoted rocker, a driving-connectionbetween :said :rocker and guide forv moving the latter into said firstand secondpositions thereof on turningnsaid rocker inopposite-directions into first and second'positions, respectively,spring means normally urging said rocker into said first position'thereof, a: yielding latch'normally arresting :said rocker in .saidsecond 'position thereon.

means turning with said driving member .for-releasing said latch fromsaid guide-after partial movement of said driving member in said one'di- :rection, and means also turning with said'driw :ing "member forreturning said rocker into: said second position thereof? during 'a lastpartof'tthe idle return movement of said drivingv member into saidcertain position.

'18. Method of producing 'double' link chains 'a single-link"chain-machine having mechanism for-forming successivechainlinksincludin means for holding each last linkinposition iorjpenetrationby the next link being formed ior 1 the concatenation of successivelinks "into single-link chain form *an'd'a guide over-which I .the chainis passed 1 in longitudinally tensioned condition, said guideibeingspaced laterally from said holding means,comprising the steps of holdmgformedwhen the latter'penetrates-said last chain link.

:19. 'Method' of producing double-link chains in a single-linkchainmachine having mechanism for forming successive chain links, includingmeans for holding each last linkin position for penetration by the nextpartially formed link'i'or the concatenation of'successive links intosinglelink-chain form, 'and for holding said .next'link for tits finishformation after the release into suspended relation-therewith of saidlast link,

tool -means for finish-forming each partially formed-link, and ai'guideover which the chain is passed-in longitudinally tensioned condition,

said guide being spaced laterally from said-holding means,comprisingthe-steps of holding the first-formed link :of 'a' chaininposition forvpenetration'by the next link' being formed when thelatter penetrates the secon'd-formedlink-in the normal operation :of themachine, and thereafter moving-said guide into'a first positionfordrawing the chain length' disposedbetween-said guide and holding meansaway fromsa'id holdingmeans in a-longitudinal direction so the chain isdrawn away from said tool means with each last link positioned ineach;partially formed link for the finish-formation of'thelatter link,and moving the guide intoanother position for 'drawingthe cha'in iengthdisposed'betweensa'id guide and holding means away from the "holdingmeans in 'whicheach third-last link positions each secondlast link forpenetration" by each' partially formed link when the latter penetratessaid last link in the normal operation'of the machine.

SIEGFRIED C. AUGUST J ENGLAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number "Name Date 528,819 I'Standish Nov. 6,1894543,9 14 Peck -et al Aug; 6,1895 2,'065,'788 -Biedermann Dec. =29, 19362,300,624 Keene Nov. '3, I942

